- Dallan Randall, District 6.
Mr. Randall is a licensed plumber and has operated JB Water for the last fifteen years. He has served for fourteen years on the Arizona Water Quality Association Board including one term as president. In addition to his professional experience, Mr. Randall is an active volunteer with the Boy Scouts of America and has served on his HOA. Mr. Randall’s term will expire June 30, 2020.
Design Review Board – Seven-member board with two reappointments.
- Nicole Posten-Thompson, District 1.
Ms. Posten-Thompson is a registered architect with Associated Architects, Inc. She holds a bachelor of science in architecture from Kent State University. Ms. Posten-Thompson serves as a volunteer with her church and Habitat for Humanity. Her term expires June 30, 2020.
Mr. Placko has over twenty years of experience as a landscape architect and currently works for J2 Engineering and Environmental Design. He holds a bachelor of landscape architecture from Iowa State University and is a current member of the American Society of Landscape Architects. Mr. Placko serves as one of the architect positions on the Design Review Board. Mr. Placko’s term will end on June 30, 2020.
Economic Development Advisory Board – Nine-member board with three reappointments and one new appointment.
Reappointments:
- Natascha Ovando-Karadsheh: District 5.
Ms. Ovando-Karadsheh is the owner of and REALTOR with KOR properties, a boutique real estate agency. She has additional small business experience as the founder/owner of Coup de Tartes/Rendez-Vous, an award winning restaurant and private event venue, as well as working as a small business consultant. Ms. Ovando-Karadsheh holds degrees from the French Culinary Institute and Princeton University. Her term will expire June 30, 2020.
- Dominic Perry, District 6.
Mr. Perry works for GPE Commercial Real Estate. He holds a bachelor of arts from the University of Washington. He is a Certified Commercial Investment Member (CCIM). His term will expire June 30, 2020.
Mr. Rudy is a program manager with The Boeing Company where he has been employed for over nineteen years. Prior to his time with Boeing, Mr. Rudy has worked with Goodyear Aerospace, Loral and Lockheed Martin as a software engineer and project manager. He holds a bachelor of science in Computer Science
from the University of Akron. In addition to his professional career, Mr. Rudy volunteers his time with his local church. Mr. Rudy’s term will expire June 30, 2020.
New Appointment:
- James Kasselmann, District 5.
Mr. Kasselmann is a Medical Device Executive Leader with Dexcom Incorporated. His previous professional roles have included time with Biogen Idec Pharmaceuticals, Genentech, and Gilead Sciences. Mr. Kasselmann also served as a Lieutenant Colonel in the United States Marine Corps. In addition to his professional responsibilities, Mr. Kasselmann volunteers his time as a Board of Director for Pointman, a veteran support organization, and with the USO in San Diego. Mr. Kasselmann holds a bachelor of science from the University of Cincinnati. His term will expire June 30, 2020.
Historic Preservation Board – Seven-member board with two reappointments.
- Brandon Benzing, District 1.
Mr. Benzing is an architect with Weddle Gilmore Architects. He holds a bachelor of science in architectural studies and masters of architecture from Arizona State University. He is an American Institute of Architects member. His term will expire June 30, 2020.
Mr. Marek is a Commercial Real Estate Consultant with COBE Real Estate. Mr. Marek holds a master of public administration with an emphasis in urban planning from Arizona State University and a bachelor of arts from the University of South Dakota. Mr. Marek previously held positions as the redevelopment director and historic preservation officer with the City of Mesa. Mr. Marek is very active in the community serving on the Mesa Historical Museum Board, the Arizona Museum of Natural History Foundation Board and the Mesa YMCA Board of Directors. His term will expire June 30, 2020.
Housing and Community Development Advisory board – Eleven-member board with two reappointments.
Ms. Kay is the COO for ICC Innovations. She holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Phoenix. She has spent many hours volunteering for both the Child Crisis Center and the Salvation Army. Ms. Kay has previously served on the Housing Advisory Board. Her term expires June 30, 2020.
Ms. Starr is the Director of Outreach at East Valley Adult Resources. She holds a bachelor of arts from the University of Illinois. She previously served on the Human Services and Housing Advisory Boards. Ms. Starr is a 2003 graduate of Mesa LTD. Her term expires June 30, 2020.
Human Relations Advisory Board – Eleven-member board with three reappointments and one new appointment.
Reappointments:
Dr. Moon is the Coordinator of Diversity and Inclusion for the Tempe Union High School District. Previously he served roles as a counselor with Mesa Public Schools and adjunct professor with Northern Arizona University. He holds a doctorate in educational leadership for Northern Arizona University. Dr. Moon is a member of many multicultural community organizations and a graduate of Mesa LTD. His term expires June 30, 2020.
- Cassandra Sampson, District 5.
Ms. Sampson is a 5th and 6th grade language arts teacher with Cambridge Academy East. She is currently pursuing a bachelor of arts in English from Ottawa University. She has volunteered extensively in the community including with organizations such as Hospice for the Valley, Paz de Cristo, Sojourner Center, East Valley Child Crisis Center, Feed My Starving Children, and others. Ms. Sampson’s term will expire June 30, 2020.
- Nadia Kahlighi Taylor, District 5.
Ms. Taylor is a homemaker pursuing a bachelor’s degree in sociology. She has 20 years experience in sales, customer service and marketing. She volunteers with the Mesa Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá'ís. Ms. Taylor’s term expires June 30, 2020.
New Appointment:
- Silvia Stanford, District 6.
Ms. Stanford is the owner of Vendie Attire, LLC, a specialty retail and accessories clothing store and serves as a Procurement Officer for the City of Phoenix. Ms. Stanford is also the current President of the National Forum for Black Public Administrators. She holds a bachelor of science in Business Management as well as a Master of Business Administration from Indiana Wesleyan University. Ms. Stanford’s term will expire June 30, 2020.
Judicial Advisory Board – Seven-member board with two new appointments.
- The Honorable Michael J. Brown.
Judge Brown of the Arizona Court of Appeals, Division One, is appointed as a member of the City of Mesa Judicial Advisory Board by the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of the State of Arizona. Judge Brown’s term expires June 30, 2020.
Ms. Costa is co-founder and Chief Operating Officer of Baltu LLC, a software company. She also currently serves as a paralegal at Rogers Legal Group PLC. Previous employment included paralegal positions at Alex E Navidad PLC and Lance Wells General Counsel PLC. Ms. Costa is a champion of technology and holds monthly community meetings to discuss the latest tech trends. Ms. Costa’s term expires June 30 2020.
Library Advisory Board – Nine-member board with two reappointments.
Ms. Smith is a homemaker with a bachelor’s degree in child development. She has given over 20 years of volunteer service to her children’s classrooms and has been an active supporter of the Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts and Scout Leaders. Her term will expire June 30, 2020.
- Nathaniel Wadsworth, District 4.
Mr. Wadsworth is an attorney with Rowley Chapman & Barney and has spent the past six and a half years with the firm. Mr. Wadsworth volunteers his time with the Boy Scots of America serving as a merit badge counselor and adviser. His term will expire June 30, 2020.
Merit System Board – Three-member board with one reappointment.
- Michelle Reimann, District 2.
Ms. Reimann is an internal auditor with the City of Phoenix. She holds a master of public administration from Arizona State University. Ms. Reimann volunteers in the community through 4-H, Little League and Rock n’ Roll High School. Her term expires June 30, 2020.
Museum & Cultural Advisory Board – Eleven-member board with four reappointments.
- Michael Darr, District 5.
Mr. Darr is retired from Boeing after eighteen years of service. He holds over twenty one years of military service and is a retired Senior Noncommissioned Officer. Mr. Darr is a life member of the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, and other organizations. His term will expire June 30, 2020.
Mr. Dean is a history professor with the University of Phoenix. He holds a doctor of philosophy from Arizona State University. Mr. Dean previously served on the Historic Preservation board. His term expires June 30, 2020.
- Melissa Johnson, District 3.
Ms. Johnson is an elementary teacher with Roosevelt Elementary. She holds a Master’s degree in Education from University of Phoenix. Ms. Johnson volunteers with People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals and The Humane Society. Her term expires June 30, 2020.
- Robert Valverde, District 3.
Mr. Valverde is an MRI Technologist with SimonMed Imaging. He holds a certificate in radiologic technology from the US Army Academy of Health Sciences. Mr. Valverde is a professional drummer/percussionist and volunteers with his church. His term expires June 30, 2020.
Parks & Recreation Board – Eleven-member board with two reappointments and one new appointment.
Reappointments:
- Justin Murdock, District 1.
Mr. Murdock is a Territory Manager for Olympus America and previously held positions with Cook Medical. In addition, Mr. Murdock has owned and operated a successful Mesa based small business. Mr. Murdock is involved in service through his church and enjoys taking part in marathon and triathlon training and competitions. His term will expire June 30, 2020.
Mr. Todd recently held a position as a sports sales manager for Visit Mesa. He holds a master’s degree from Wichita State University. Mr. Todd is a National Association of Sports Commissions member and was a Certified Parks and Recreation Professional. His term expires June 30, 2020.
New Appointment:
- Nycole Leyba, District 5.
Ms. Leyba is a full time stay at home mom who is very active in the community. She is the Director of Charitable Alliances for the Guardian Angel Council, a volunteer ambassador for Be the Match, and active runner and member of the Las Sendas Running Swim Tri Group, and an avid parks and recreation user. Ms. Leyba holds a bachelor of arts in Behavioral Science from Cal Poly. Her term expires June 30, 2020.
Personnel Appeals Board – Five-member board with one reappointment and one new appointment.
Reappointment:
- Deborah Reyes, District 5.
Ms. Reyes is an executive with Dillards. She holds a degree in fashion merchandising and accounting from Colorado State University. Ms. Reyes is experienced in human resources and employee coaching and mentoring. She served on the Transportation and Planning and Zoning Committees for the Town of Queen Creek. Her term expires June 30, 2020.
New Appointment:
- Patrick Braatz, District 6.
Mr. Braatz is the Chief Operating Officer for the American Board of Dental Examiners, Inc. He previously served as the Executive Director of the Oregon Board of Dentistry in Portland. Mr. Braatz holds a bachelor of science in Business Administration with an emphasis in Personnel Relations. Mr. Braatz’s term expires June 30, 2020.
Planning & Zoning Board – Seven-member board with two reappointments and one new appointment.
Reappointments:
- Michelle Dahlke, District 1.
Ms. Dahlke is a paralegal with Quarles and Brady, LLP. She holds a master’s degree in environmental planning from Arizona State University. She served an internship with the City of Phoenix Historic Preservation Department and served on the Mesa Historic Preservation Board. Her term expires June 30, 2020.
- Jessica Sarkissian, District 5.
Ms. Sarkissian is a land planner with Bowman Consulting. She holds a bachelor of science in regional development from the University of Arizona and a master of administration from Northern Arizona University. Ms. Sarkissian also holds several professional planning association memberships. Ms. Sarkissian recently served on the City of Mesa Board of Adjustment. Her term will expire June 30, 2020.
New Appointment: Shelly Allen, District 2.
Ms. Allen is a retired City of Mesa employee with over thirty years of experience including in economic development, code enforcement, and public works. Ms. Allen holds a bachelor’s of science in Business Management from the University of Phoenix and a Masters of Public Administration from ASU. Ms. Allen’s term will expire June 30 2020.
Self-Insurance Program Board of Trustees – Five-member board with one reappointment.
Kelly Vorseth, District 3.
- Ms. Vorseth is a financial analyst with the Mayo Clinic. She holds an MBA from University of Phoenix. Ms. Vorseth is a member of American College of Heatlhcare Executives and volunteers in the community through her church and Habitat for Humanity. Her term expires June 30, 2020.
Transportation Advisory Board – Eleven-member board with two reappointments and one new appointment.
Reappointments:
Dr. Camp is an executive consultant and advisor for Vistage. He Holds a Ph.D. from Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Dr. Camp served as Las Sendas HOA Vice President and Landscape Advisory Board. He is also an avid road cyclist. His term expires June 30, 2020.
Mr. Murray is a risk and IT security manager for American Express. He holds an MBA from University of Phoenix. Mr. Murray volunteers in the community with Arizona One Disaster Medical Assistance Team. His term expires June 30, 2020.
New Appointment:
- Ryan Wozniak, District 1.
Mr. Wozniak is a land use and bike/ped planner with the City of Maricopa. In that role he serves as Maricopa’s representative to the MAG Bike-Ped Committee. Ryan holds a bachelors of arts in Design of the Built Environment and a Masters in Urban and Environmental Planning from ASU. Ryan is very active in the Mesa community, working with RAILmesa, a refugee youth integration start up, and more. Mr. Wozniak’s term expires June 30, 2020.